to put/set the cat among the pigeons – делать или говорить что-то, что внесет раздор, вызовет недовольство
When our company decided not to give any bonuses it put the cat among the pigeons.
to take the bull by the horns – брать быка за рога, действовать решительно
I think you should take the bull by the horns and talk to him.
to back the wrong horse – поставить не на ту лошадь, ошибиться в выборе
The elections proved that white southerners had backed the wrong horse.
to get on one`s high horse – вести себя высокомерно, задаваться
When they started talking about music, David got on his high horse and said that classical music was only fit for museums and archives.
to have a bee in one’s bonnet – быть одержимым какой-то идеей, постоянно говорить о чем-то, иметь идею фикс.
John really has a bee in his bonnet about the environment. He’s always talking about it.
to be a chicken – быть трусом
Don’t be a chicken!
a wolf in sheep’s clothing – волк в овечьей шкуре
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
